If you ever wanted to work in a restaurant kitchen or learn tricks from cooking pros, you can take classes to do just that. These chefs will teach you how to cook what's on their menus in their kitchens, and then invite you to eat the meal as well. A glass (or two) of wine and a restaurant cooking class is a four-star event.

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If you ever wanted to work in a restaurant kitchen or learn tricks from cooking pros, you can take classes to do just that.

These chefs will teach you how to cook what's on their menus in their kitchens, and then invite you to eat the meal as well. A glass (or two) of wine and a restaurant cooking class is a four-star event.

THE LESSON "Cooking can be intimidating," says chef and co-owner Jonathan Contes, whose demonstration lessons include topics such as brining, poaching and braising. He makes sure to use accessible ingredients so the students can replicate what they have learned for use in their own kitchens. Classes start with an aperitif or a glass of wine, followed by a demonstration of an appetizer, a main course and dessert.

THE LESSON Get ready for the click, click, clicking of the metal knives. Benihana has a chef training program in which participants train for one to two hours on a Sunday afternoon. Then, the graduate gets to cook for four or eight friends and family members on a weekday night.

"One of our chefs stays with you," said restaurant manager Francis Lee. "You have the whole table to yourself."

THE LESSON Gregarious chef-owner Nader Gebrin has been teaching cooking classes at his restaurant since it opened eight years ago.

Part of the course is teaching the students how to order from a menu. "Do you know the different types of salmon? Lamb chops? Tuna is not always tuna," Gebrin explained.

In previous classes, he has demonstrated how to cook crabcakes, Chilean sea bass with horseradish, and potato-crusted scallops. He always ends the class with his homemade Napoleon, one of the few recipes he will not share.

THE LESSON Marco Lubrano of La Bussola in Glen Cove and four other restaurant chefs are part of Locust Valley School District's continuing-education program "Elegant Dining." Chefs will demonstrate cooking soups, appetizers, entrees and desserts. The meal also will be served.